Are Gore Tex Jackets Good For Running?

Last Updated on February 13, 2024 by Amanda Bowden

Running in the rain on a cold and windy day isn’t much fun, which is probably why you’re wondering whether Gore Tex jackets are good for running? Finding a good running jacket is essential if you live in a rainy country. Especially if you want to get out running regardless of the storm brewing outside!

You could run in any Gore Tex jacket as all of them will provide a good level of waterproofing and breathability. However it wouldn’t be great for running as lots of them are quite heavy and baggy. Good running jackets are waterproof, breathable, lightweight and have a streamlined fit for ease of movement.

There are Gore Tex jackets that are specifically designed for running. They are usually made from Gore Tex Active fabric, which is an extra lightweight and breathable form of Gore Tex made for fast paced activities like trail running.

Gore Tex jackets made for running are top end rain jackets. They tend to be the most waterproof running jackets you can get, unless you choose one that sacrifices breathability. This means that they also tend to be the most expensive type of running jacket! However, if you can afford it, and want the best, I’ve got a suggestion for you in the next section.

What Is The Best Gore Tex Running Jacket?

There are surprisingly few Gore Tex running jackets out there, and you won’t find them in many sports shops. Unless you have access to a specialist running shop you will probably need to look online.

All Gore Tex waterproof running jackets are likely to be quite good, but I don’t think any of them can beat this Gore Tex Jacket from Montane, below. It’s designed for trail running, although it will also be ideal for running in the rain where-ever your run takes you.

The Montane Phase Lite Waterproof Jacket is perfect for anything from a quick 10 minute run in the rain, to an ultra marathon. And many famous ultrarunners have chosen to go for a Montane running jacket!

It is a lightweight running jacket, optimally waterproof and has high breathability too to prevent you getting wet from your own sweat. It looks fantastic, and is easy to roll up and stash in a running pack for when you need it.

Montane Phase Lite Waterproof Jacket

Montane Phase Lite VS Montane Phase Nano: Which Is The Best Waterproof Running Jacket?

Montane also make another similar Gore Tex jacket called the Montane Phase Nano Waterproof Jacket. It is also designed for trail running, so is a great alternative. The difference is that the Montane Phase Nano is an even lighter weight running jacket than the Phase Lite.

The Phase Nano is made with a thinner 13 Denier Gore Tex Active material, compared to the 30 Denier Gore Tex Active material used for the Phase Lite. This means it has enhanced breathability, at the slight expense of waterproofness. See What Is Gore Tex Active? further down the page to help you choose which jacket you’ll get on with best.

The other difference is you can get them in different colors. Check out the links below to find out which colors the jackets are currently available in, as availability tends to change over time.

There is not much difference in the price between the two jackets. If you’d like to check out the Phase Nano you can find the women’s version on amazon.co.uk here, or the men’s version on amazon.co.uk here.

To see the Phase Nano Gore Tex Jacket at the Montane store, if you live in the US or another country, see the women’s jacket here, or the men’s here.

What Is Gore Tex Active?

Gore Tex Active is often used for waterproof jackets for fast paced or sweaty activities like running, cycling and climbing. It comes in different thicknesses, or ‘Deniers’, and the higher the Denier number of the Gore Tex Active membrane the greater will be the waterproof properties of the jacket. The lower the Denier number will result in a more lightweight running jacket.

Higher Denier number = more waterproof.

Lower Denier number = more lightweight and breathable.

Although, regardless of this, all Gore Tex Active running jackets are pretty lightweight, very waterproof, and very breathable.

What Is Gore Tex Infinium?

There is another type of Gore Tex running jacket made out of Gore Tex Infinium fabric. Gore Tex Infinium running jackets are sometimes cheaper, but they are designed to be more of a windproof layer. They are water-resistant, but don’t have the same decent level of waterproofing that Gore Tex Active does. If you’re just after a windproof running jacket with a little water protection, then you might like a Gore Tex Infinium jacket.

How Do I Choose A Running Jacket?

There are so many running jackets out there it can be pretty daunting trying to choose the right one!

The ideal running jacket has high levels of waterproofing, is highly breathable, and nicely lightweight so you don’t feel weighed down.

Getting a Gore Tex jacket will be the best option for you if your budget can stretch that far and you’re likely to be frequently running in heavy rain.

If you’d struggle to afford a Gore Tex jacket for running then there are some pretty decent jackets out there that you can pick up for less. Some of the best of these are covered in this article: The Best Trail Running Waterproof Jackets.

Here are some good resources to have a look at to help you find the right waterproof running jacket:

• How to Choose the Best Waterproof Running Jacket
• What Does Hydrostatic Head Mean?